Significantly refreshed last year, the 2015 Optima offers upgraded technology
- Next-generation navigation system enhances UVO functionality of the award-winning telematics and infotainment system
- Subtle interior updates improve ergonomics and appearance
IRVINE, May 14, 2014 – The 2015 Optima midsize sedan, built in the U.S.* at Kia’s West Point, Ga., facility (KMMG), arrives with the next-generation of UVO eServices1 and a number of subtle interior refinements meant to improve ergonomics and offer a more premium experience. Significantly updated last year, the 2015 Optima remains available in LX, EX, SX, SX Turbo and SX-Limited trims for the new model year.
Available optionally on the EX, SX, SX Turbo and standard on the SX-Limited, the next-generation UVO eServices offers additional features designed to keep the owner better informed, from behind the wheel or remotely, via his or her own Smartphone2. Four new UVO eServices are integrated into the voice-activated system, including Geo Fencing, Driving Score, Speed Alerts and Curfew Alerts. A version of UVO eServices without the four new features is available as an option on the LX and continues to offer a wide range of telematics and infotainment systems including My POI, eServices Guide, 911 Connect3, Car Care Web, Parking Minder4 and Vehicle Diagnostics5.
To improve functionality for the driver, the steering wheel-mounted buttons6 for the cruise control have been repositioned on the right-side spoke. The sporty D-shaped steering wheel found in the SX-Limited gets new brushed bezels, and the stitching is now offered in a contrasting white. Also new is a black cloth option for the LX.
Outside, the 2015 Optima is now available with a Smokey Blue (late availability) metallic paint, and Sparkling Silver and Platinum Graphite replace Bright Silver and Metal Bronze, respectively. The acoustic laminated windshield, found last year only on SX-Limited, is offered across the Optima lineup for 2015.
The 2015 Optima continues to offer two powerful Theta II powerplants featuring gasoline direct injection (GDI) technology: a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder or a 2.0-liter GDI turbo engine. The 2.4-liter GDI engine is available on LX, EX and SX models while the more robust 2.0-liter turbo GDI engine is offered exclusively in the SX and SX Limited. This turbocharged unit delivers V6-type power with a four-cylinder’s efficiency. Each engine choice is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission featuring Sportmatic® shifting. Drive Mode Select (DMS), which offers owners a customizable driving experience by adjusting transmission shift points and steering weight, remains exclusive to the SX Turbo and SX Limited.
KIA REVEALS NEW POWERTRAIN TECHNOLOGIES AT 2014 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW
- Future generation Kias to be available with Mild Hybrid versions
- New 7-speed DCT gearbox to be introduced from 2015
- Upgraded Kia Optima Hybrid to go on sale in mainland Europe from late 2014
Kia previews future powertrain technologies with all-new mild hybrid system
- New mild hybrid powertrain combines zero-emissions urban motoring with an electric supercharger for greater performance
- Engineered to reduce diesel and petrol emissions by up to 15 per cent
- New powertrain will be available on next-generation Kia models
Kia revealed its all-new mild hybrid powertrain today at the Geneva Motor Show. The powertrain – part of a future technologies exhibit on Kia’s show stand – is designed to simultaneously reduce emissions and improve engine performance in Kia’s next-generation models.
Developed by Kia’s European R&D centre in Russelsheim, Germany, the new hybrid system employs a 48 volt lead-carbon battery, which powers a small electric motor to increase the engine’s power output and cut exhaust emissions. The development team behind the mild hybrid powertrain selected lead-carbon batteries over lithium-ion equivalents as they require no active cooling, are more easily recyclable at the end of the vehicle’s life and can function much more efficiently in sub-zero temperatures.
Kia’s mild hybrid system will enable a car to be driven in an electric-only mode at low speeds and when cruising, while the battery is recharged under deceleration at all speeds. In heavy traffic and on urban roads, the powertrain will also feature a zero-emission stop-start system. Using a belt-driven starter generator – replacing the conventional alternator – the engine is able to restart with almost no noise or vibration.
The battery also supplies energy to an electric supercharger, which increases torque and power at low engine speeds. Engineers behind the development of the powertrain see the electric supercharger supporting a larger conventional turbocharger, which would seamlessly take over to provide greater power and torque as engine speeds rise. The new hybrid system could also be fitted without the electric supercharger for a simpler powertrain layout in smaller models.
In applying the technology to production cars, Kia engineers are targeting reductions in CO2 emissions of up to 15 per cent, while the electric supercharger is designed to deliver power increases of 15 to 20 per cent depending on its application.
The new powertrain would also allow vehicle development engineers to reduce the size of a vehicle’s existing battery and starter motor.
The new mild hybrid powertrain will be available on new diesel and petrol production cars from Kia in the near future.
Kia unveils new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission
- Kia launches its first seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT)
- Transmission will improve fuel efficiency and acceleration
- New DCT will appear on production models in 2015
Kia unveiled its all-new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) at the Geneva Motor Show, pointing the way for future transmission developments from the Korean brand.
The new transmission – the first of its type from Kia – has been engineered to balance greater fuel efficiency with improved performance and to deliver a sportier driving experience.
Designed as a more fuel efficient replacement for Kia’s existing six-speed automatic transmission, currently available as an option on the majority of Kia models, the new DCT combines the advantages of both manual and automatic transmissions while allowing for faster gear changes than both.
Throughout the development process, engineers have been targeting a seven per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and a five percent improvement in acceleration (0-100 kph / 62 mph) over the existing six-speed DCT transmission.
NVH has also been a key focus for the team behind the DCT’s development, with an external damper ensuring a high level of refinement for the new transmission.
The DCT is made up of two dry clutches, each fitted with an electric motor-driven clutch actuator to improve fuel economy, and a pair of gear input shafts, one each for the odd and even gear ratios. This set-up enables the DCT to operate sequentially or to jump immediately to any of its seven forward gears (and reverse) depending on the driver’s requirements.
The continuous power delivery offered by the DCT minimises the loss of torque by the powertrain during gear shifting and ensures a smoother drive in all conditions. The wide ratio coverage afforded to the engine by the seven-speed gearbox results in improved fuel efficiency and performance over rival six-speed DCTs.
The new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission will start to appear on production Kia cars in 2015.
Upgraded Kia Optima Hybrid revealed at Geneva Show
- Refreshed look for streamlined saloon with Cd 0.26 aerodynamics
- New features include ventilated front seats and 8-inch display screen
- Improved braking, plus remarkable performance/economy blend
The upgraded Kia Optima Hybrid was unveiled by Kia Motors today at the Geneva Motor Show, marking the European debut of this streamlined saloon with a drag coefficient of just Cd 0.26 in its latest form.
Visually, the upgraded Optima Hybrid features newly-designed front and rear bumpers, the front incorporating new four-spot LED fog lamps and a revised design for Kia’s trademark ‘Tiger nose’ grille. The car’s profile is also improved with a new side-sill garnish, wing garnish and new, five-spoke 16- and 17-inch alloy wheel designs. At the rear, the boot lid sports Kia’s new style eco-hybrid badge, the bumper has a black lower section and the exhaust tailpipe is hidden.
With the upgraded model, customers will also be able to specify a new ‘White Package’ interior option, with white upholstery and gloss black cabin accents. Two new exterior paint finishes, Smoky Blue and Aluminium Silver, complete the visual changes and join three carry-over colours – Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black and Bright Silver.
Available only in left-hand drive (as previously), the latest Optima Hybrid will also be fitted with a range of new features, including a new touchscreen interface specific to the Hybrid system, an 8-inch display for the navigation system, iPod connectivity, ventilated front seats and air vents in the rear of the cabin.
A new ‘High Tech Pack’ is available as an option, incorporating Blind Spot Detection, Lane Keep Assist and Smart Parking Assist systems.
Kia’s third-generation regenerative braking system is fitted to the upgraded Optima Hybrid. The new system is 1.2 kg lighter and is faster reacting with a new iBAU (Integrated Brake Actuation Unit) which cuts the time delay before the ABS is activated and shortens braking distance from 62 mph by 1.7 metres. For the driver, there is also greater braking feel and an improved response to pedal inputs.
The petrol-electric hybrid powertrain is carried over unchanged in the latest version of the Optima Hybrid. Together the 2.0-litre engine and 35 kW electric motor produce a combined output of 177 ps at 5,500 rpm and 319 Nm of torque between 1,000 and 2,000 rpm. The saloon delivers a remarkable blend of performance (0-62mph in 9.4 sec, top speed 118 mph), fuel economy (5.1 l/100 km) and low CO2 emissions (119 g/km) with 17-inch wheels. In The Netherlands, where Optima Hybrid is fitted with 16-inch wheels as standard, the vehicle’s CO2 figure is 117 g/km.
Production of the upgraded Kia Optima Hybrid is scheduled to start in Korea during April 2014 and the new model will go on sale across Europe later this year.
Upgraded Kia Optima Hybrid – EU Technical Specifications
Body & Chassis
Four-door, five-seater saloon, with all-steel unitary construction bodyshell. Transverse petrol engine and hybrid electric motor powertrain driving the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.
Engine
2.0-litre / 150 ps GDi
| Name / Type | ‘Nu’ / DOHC, four-cylinder in line, with dual CVVT |
| Capacity | 2.0-litres, 1999 cc |
| Max power | 150 ps (110 kW) @ 6000 rpm |
| Max torque | 180 Nm (18.35 kg.m) @ 5000 rpm |
| Fuel system | Multi-point injection |
Electric Motor
| Type | Interior-Permanent Magnet Synchronous motor |
| Max power | 47 ps (35 kW) @ 1,630-3000 rpm |
| Max torque | 205 Nm (20.9 kg.m) @ 0-1630 rpm |
| Voltage | Max 270 V DC (nominal) |
Combined Hybrid System Output
| Max power | 177 ps (131 kW) @ 5500 rpm |
| Max torque | 319 Nm (32.5 kg.m) @ 1000-2000 rpm |
Battery for Hybrid System
| Type | Lithium-ion Polymer |
| Voltage | 270 V |
| Capacity | 5.3 Ah |
| Weight | 41.3 kg |
Transmission
Automatic 6-speed
Suspension & Damping
| Front | Fully independent by MacPherson struts, with coil springs and twin-tube gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll 22 mm stabiliser bar |
| Rear | Fully independent multi-link, with coil springs and twin-tube gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll 18 mm stabiliser bar |
Steering
| Type | MDPS, electric motor driven power-assisted rack and pinion |
| Gearing | 2.94 turns lock-to-lock |
| Turning circle | 10.9 metres |
Brakes
| Power | Single 10.5 -inch booster (LHD) |
| Front | 300 x 28 mm ventilated discs |
| Rear | 284 x 10 mm solid discs |
| ABS | 4-channel anti-lock system with EBD |
| BAS | Boosts braking power during emergency stops |
Wheels & Tyres
| Standard | Alloy 16 in x 6.5J Alloy 17 in x 6.5J |
205/65 R16 tyres 215/55 R17 tyres |
| Spare (Standard) | Tyre mobility kit |
DIMENSIONS (mm)
Exterior
| Overall length 4845 | Overall width* 1830 |
| Overall height 1455 | Wheelbase 2795 |
| Front track | 1601-1595 (depending on wheel size) |
| Rear track | 1601-1595 (depending on wheel size) |
| Front overhang | 965 |
| Rear overhang | 1085 |
| Ground clearance | 135 |
*excluding door mirrors
| Interior | Front | Rear |
| Headroom | 1028 | 965 |
| Legroom | 1155 | 880 |
| Shoulder room | 1455 | 1415 |
| Hip room | 1388 | 1384 |
| Capacities | ||
| Fuel tank (litres) | 65.0 | |
| Luggage (VDA) | 381 litres | |
| Kerb weights (kg) | ||
| Minimum | 1587 | |
| Maximum | 1648 |
Performance
| Top speed / kph | 190 |
| 0-to-100 kph / sec | 9.4 |
| 100-to-0 kph / m | 36.7 (17-inch wheels) 41.5 (16-inch wheels, Netherlands only) |
Economy & Emissions
| Combined (l/100 km) | 5.1 |
| CO2 (g/km) | 119 (17-inch wheels) 117 (16-inch wheels, Netherlands only) |
*fuel consumption and CO2 data are manufacturer’s figures
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA proudly serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and LPGA and surpassed the 500,000 annual sales mark for the second consecutive year in 2013 following the launch of seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles, including the rear-drive K900**flagship sedan, Cadenza premium sedan, Sorento CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, the Forte compact sedan, Forte5 and Forte Koup, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and the Sedona midsize multi-purpose vehicle, through a network of more than 765 dealers across the United States. Kia’s U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia, builds the Optima* and Sorento* and is responsible for the creation of more than 14,000 plant and supplier jobs.
*The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX, SX & Limited and certain LX Trims only) are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
1 No subscription fee for UVO eServices. No charge for the UVO eServices app. App uses your smartphone cellular data service. Normal cellular service rates will apply. Always drive safely and use caution.
2 Apple iPhone® and select Android devices only are UVO eServices compatible. iPhone® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. Android™ is a registered trademark of Google Inc.
3 Feature activates after an air bag deployment. Feature requires a connected mobile phone via Bluetooth®. Dependent on cellular service coverage area.
4 Parking Minder feature operates with certain smartphone devices with activation of App and relies on the GPS within the user’s phone. Normal cellular service rates apply.
5 Vehicle Diagnostics do not take the place of regularly scheduled maintenance. Feature checks powertrain, chassis and air bag systems only. For factory-recommended maintenance schedule, see the Maintenance Feature of UVO eServices or the Owner’s Manual.
6 Driving while distracted is dangerous and should be avoided. Drivers should remain attentive to driving and always exercise caution when using the steering-wheel-mounted controls while driving.
** 2015 K900 available in select trims and in select markets with limited availability.